Biking celebrity Geraint Thomas will lead a bunch of former Wales rugby internationals on a charity bike experience to the World Cup in September to boost cash for charity Head for Change.

Ex-Welsh rugby stars Shane Williams, Ryan Jones and Alix Popham – in addition to former All Black Carl Hayman – will be part of Thomas on the experience from Richmond to Lyon.

On arrival in Lyon, the celebration will then watch Wales’ showpiece World Cup pool fixture with Eddie Jones’ Australia.

Thomas is the headline attraction, however the experience can even embody his Workforce INEOS Grenadiers colleague Luke Rowe and can also be open to members of the general public.

The intention is to assist Head for Change – a charitable basis arrange by Popham which pioneers constructive change for mind well being in sport and helps ex-players who’re affected by neurodegenerative illness on account of their skilled sporting careers.

Geraint Thomas will lead a bunch of former Wales rugby internationals on a charity bike experience 

Ex-Welsh rugby stars Shane Williams (above), Ryan Jones and Alix Popham – in addition to former All Black Carl Hayman – will be part of Thomas on the experience from Richmond to Lyon

Popham, Jones and Hayman have all been recognized with early onset dementia and possible power traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) following their retirements from rugby.

‘It would undoubtedly be a special journey however one thing I’m trying ahead to. I communicate with the ex-players participating,’ 2018 Tour de France winner and Olympic gold medallist Thomas instructed MailSport.

‘I’ve bought the Vuelta – the tour of Spain – over three weeks in August and September so I’ll definitely have the endurance within the legs.

‘I assumed I’d get a summer season off with not doing the Tour de France this 12 months however I did the Tour of Italy and I’ve bought Spain too so it’s a busy previous 12 months. It will likely be good to complete the 12 months with this.

‘Generally it may be fairly painful using slowly so hopefully everyone seems to be placing some coaching in!

‘I’m actually trying ahead to watching the World Cup. It appears extensive open in the meanwhile. I’m good mates with George North and some gamers who’ve now moved on from the Wales workforce.

‘I dwell in Monaco so hopefully I can get to some of the Wales video games in France. To assist this charity is necessary to me. There has clearly been rather a lot within the information about concussion in rugby.

‘It began with Alix seeking to do some fundraising and it’s grown from there. I’m comfortable to be concerned with this to attempt to assist elevate some cash and consciousness for the trigger.’

The bike experience will begin at Outdated Deer Park – the house of London Welsh in Richmond – and cease at varied rugby golf equipment on the best way to Lyon. The intention is to depart on September 19 and arrive in France on in time for the Wales and Australia recreation on September 24.

The cash raised will go immediately in the direction of the schooling, care and assist and potential remedies in rugby by way of Head for Change.

Popham mentioned: ‘I’m captivated with supporting those that are struggling with neurodegenerative illnesses which is why I arrange Head for Change on account of my very own experiences.

‘Many former gamers, together with myself, are struggling with sicknesses on account of our taking part in careers and though it’s too late to vary issues for us now, what we will do is provide assist and likewise assist change issues for the higher for the gamers of as we speak and future generations.

The intention of Thomas’ cycle is to assist Head for Change – a charitable basis arrange by Popham which pioneers constructive change for mind well being in sport 

‘The cash raised from charity bike rides such because the journey to Lyon can have a large influence and we’re very grateful to Geraint and Luke for participating.

‘Biking alongside a Tour de France winner is a once-in-a-lifetime alternative for members of the general public so in the event you’d like to participate, we’d welcome any curiosity.’

Thomas added: ‘Hopefully the brand new Netflix collection brings extra followers into biking. The game has been rising since 2008 actually and the success of British cyclists has helped preserve that.

‘With regards to charity, you get lots of people approaching you and you’ll’t assist all the things. This can be a charity I really feel near. I do know Ryan pretty properly and he’s talked about his prognosis. ‘If I can use my profile to assist elevate consciousness and cash then I’m very happy to try this.’

To participate within the bike experience to Lyon and for extra info, go to: https://www.msgsupporters.com/rugby-world-cup-2023/head-for-lyon/

To assist the bike experience to Lyon, go to: https://justgiving.com/marketing campaign/headforlyon